Essex County OPP warn of these possible boating fines and offer safety tips

Now that boating season is here, Essex County OPP would like to remind the public of crucial marine safety tips and the possible consequences for not following the rules.
Police say on average over the past 10 years, 86 per cent of fatalities and boating collisions were as a result of lacking safety equipment. Almost 29 per cent of these occurred on Saturday's and 92 per cent involved males.
Over the past seven years, 40 per cent were as a result of a boat capsizing and 40 per cent were due to someone falling overboard; 36 per cent involved kayaks or canoes and 37 per cent involved motorized boats.
The OPP in Essex County will be patrolling surrounding waterways 24/7, enforcing boating and marine laws.
Failing to follow the law could result in these fines:
- Operating a vessel if you are under age--$250
- Failing to have proof of competency on board--$250
- Failing to have the required pleasure craft licence on board--$250
- Operating a boat in a careless manner, without due care and attention for others---$350
- Operating a vessel with safety equipment not in good working order or not readily accessible and available for immediate use---$200
- Operating human-powered pleasure craft without PDF's or lifejackets of appropriate size for each person on board---$200 (plus $100 for each PDF or lifejacket missing)
- Operating a vessel in an unsafe manner--$500
- Operating a vessel to tow a person on water or in air without a person on board other than the operation keeping watch on every person being towed---$250
The boating community is reminded that a zero tolerance approach will be taken with regards to the consumption of alcohol or drugs on our waterways and impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, including cannabis, holds the same penalty as it does when operating a motor vehicle.
Police say the use of properly fitted and approved life jackets and personal flotation devices (PDF) is critical and will be monitored by our dedicated marine unit this and every season. For more information on PDF's, you may visit www.wearalifejacket.com.
For more information regarding boating laws and requirements, you may visit www.tc.gc.ca/boatingsafety or you can contact the Essex County OPP Marine Unit.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Loblaw ends No Name price freeze, vows 'flat' pricing 'wherever possible'
Loblaw will not be extending its price freeze on No Name brand products, but vows to keep the yellow label product-pricing flat 'wherever possible.'

Family in remote northern Ont. reeling after daughter killed in fire, home destroyed
A family in the remote community of Peawanuck, Ont., is dealing not only with the death of their young daughter, but the loss of everything they owned in a Jan. 28 house fire.
opinion | Don Martin: Trudeau meets the moment – and ducks for cover
Based on Justin Trudeau's first-day fail in the House of Commons, 'meeting the moment' is destined to become the most laughable slogan since the elder Pierre Trudeau’s disastrous campaign rallying cry in 1972, which insisted 'the land is strong' just as the economy tanked.
Canada Post honours Chloe Cooley with stamp in time for Black History Month
A young Black woman who resisted her own enslavement in Queenston, Upper Canada, in the late 18th century is being honoured by Canada Post.
Canadian economy grew slightly in November, expected to slow further
The Canadian economy grew by 0.1 per cent in November as higher interest rates began to slow spending toward the end of the year.
Pakistan blames 'security lapse' for mosque blast; 100 dead
A suicide bombing that struck inside a mosque at a police and government compound in northwest Pakistan reflects 'security lapses,' current and former officials said as the death toll from the devastating blast climbed to 100 on Tuesday.
'Laverne & Shirley' actor Cindy Williams dies at 75
Cindy Williams, who was among the most recognizable stars in America in the 1970s and 80s for her role as Shirley opposite Penny Marshall's Laverne on the beloved sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley,' has died, her family said Monday.
Federal agency targeting illegal wildlife trade through financial intelligence
Canada's financial intelligence agency is stepping up the fight against the illicit wildlife trade by taking aim at the criminals who reap big profits from the global racket.
Russian business offers cash bounties to destroy Western tanks in Ukraine
A Russian company said it will offer five million roubles (US$72,000) in cash to the first soldiers who destroy or capture western-made tanks in Ukraine, after the Kremlin vowed Russian forces would wipe out any Western tanks shipped to Ukraine.